Fake gasmen con elderly couple

Posted on January 25, 2006

Police are urging homeowners to look after their elderly neighbours after a couple in Eaton Bray fell victim to distraction thieves on Friday evening.

A man in his 80s and his wife were disturbed by two men who claimed there had been a gas explosion.

They got into the pensioners' home and went from room to room supposedly turning the couple's gas supply off. When they finally left a wallet and jewellery was missing.

Beds Police spokesman, Dave Cook, said: "We would like to speak to anyone who saw these men. We would also ask neighbours to look out for their elderly neighbours and make sure they are all right.

"Guard against these types of thefts by not opening the door to strangers no matter what excuse they give. Use a spy hole and key chain and ask for identification. if in doubt keep them out and call us."

One thief was described as white, 5ft 4ins, thin, with an Irish accent, short brown hair and wearing a long navy blue coat, woolly gloves amd carrying a mobile phone. His partner was 5ft 7ins and of stocky build.

Anyone with information should call the burglary response unit on 01582 473229 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Police are also warning people living in Eaton Bray to be on their guard after a spate of thefts from outbuildings and gardens.

On Thursday afternoon a garage in Knight's Close was damaged and sometime over the next 24-hours two pedal cycles were stolen from a neighbouring garden.

Beds Police spokesman, Dave Cook, said: "We'd remind residents that items of value should never be left in a garden but stored away in a building with secure locks.

"People should check all outbuildings to make sure they are adequately secured."

Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 24 January 2006